Hello, Ive come to this forum seeking answers and suggestions. Im looking for my first Tacoma, and ive got two im going to look at. Ill be trading in an 07 Nissan Xterra with 78k

First one
2005 Sr5 Access Cab 4cyl 78k $12988. This truck looked nice online, but I wont know for sure till I see. Anything I should know about this year? What to look for when I test drive it? One thing that concerns me was how was this truck maintained at 78k. Will I need to replace the clutch in a year, ball joints, cv's, etc... This truck will make my payments smaller, and I could have it paid off quick, and it wont drain my account, putting money down, money towards the loan, sales tax. Etc but it has almost 80k miles. Am I gonna get 2,3,4 or more years?

Second Truck
2009 Base Model, But has power windows and locks. 4cyl 39k $18,000
Looked at it, but havent driven it. Its from my best friends work who Ive bought two vehicles off of before with success. This I know wont need anything for a while. I can afford this but it wont be bank account friendly, after everything is said and done and will be more a month than what Im paying now. But its an 09 with next to nothing miles and I will get 5 or more years out of it. Buying it from my friend puts me at ease a little, and they always back up their vehicles.

In reality id like to get rid of my vehicle and into a new vehicle as cheap as possible with mininal payments, but if the 09 is going to be the best choice I dont mind paying more.

I know its a novel, but these are all the concerns I go through, you dont have to address every conern, Im just asking opinions and looking and looking for your concerns or what you would do If you were in my position. Thanks alot

Why the hell even buy a Tacoma then, why doesn't he go out and get a nice full-sized Tundra? I mean, what's stopping you from going bigger? How do you justify the V6 over the V8?

Look, not everyone needs a V6 Tacoma with a tow package to haul 5,000lbs of stuff around, nor do they need the extra power that comes with a V6.

Surprisingly, there IS a use for the I4 Tacos, and though that's just YOUR opinion, and you're completely entitled to it, it's not very helpful to provide it if the OP is stating that they have no use for a V6 and would prefer the better gas mileage anyways.

To answer your questions, OP, I thought the SR5 package included power locks and windows, as well as a few other upgrades as well. Seems like the 05 that you're looking at might have the "convenience package", unless they've re-configured their packages between then and now.

Honestly, depending on how both trucks look, you've got to go with whichever one is in better shape. Some people on here say the newer trucks (09+) have a lot more problems, and others say they've never had a speck of trouble with theirs. If the 09 is incredibly better than the 05, you've got to give it consideration.

Another consideration.. The 09 had 19,500 miles per year driven on it, which is a LOT. Most likely highway miles, but it's most likely a one-owner so it'd be good if you can find out more about how it was used. The 05 had 13,000 miles per year put on it, which actually "raises" its value compared to other 05's that have the average of 15,000 miles per year. That's just on the surface, obviously if the owner(s) of this truck drove it like an asshole, well, different story.

Either way, make sure you have your trustworthy mechanic take a look at it for you, and have him look at it as if he were buying it.

Ryan, that's a tough choice. Toyotas are generally bullet proof, at least the ones I've had. The 05 would probably be fine.

But it sounds like you'd really prefer the 09, and that is a good way to go as well. It will have plenty of life left in it, and you are comfortable with the seller. If you get the 05 you'll be second guessing yourself...

Why the hell even buy a Tacoma then, why doesn't he go out and get a nice full-sized Tundra? I mean, what's stopping you from going bigger? How do you justify the V6 over the V8?

Look, not everyone needs a V6 Tacoma with a tow package to haul 5,000lbs of stuff around, nor do they need the extra power that comes with a V6.

Surprisingly, there IS a use for the I4 Tacos, and though that's just YOUR opinion, and you're completely entitled to it, it's not very helpful to provide it if the OP is stating that they have no use for a V6 and would prefer the better gas mileage anyways.

one thing to think about, the 05 will prob need some heavy maintenance coming up wheras the 09 will be good for a while... my 05 just had the front wheel bearing, and the front u joint fail something to think about i have 92000 miles on mine